Benefits of Pet Therapy

I am a huge fan of what "PAWS for People" is doing with their pet therapy programs. I love their active role, using pets in the lives of people, as well as their education side. I often joke that my dogs ARE therapy dogs...they're MY therapy dogs. As a person that suffers from life-threatening illnesses, I benefit greatly from the love, devotion and companionship that my dogs proovide. It is very true that on my difficult days, they help motivate me and get me going. :)

Benefits of Pet Therapy

It’s well-known (and scientifically proven) that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant benefits.

Physical Health:

• lowers blood pressure

• improves cardiovascular health

• releases endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect

• diminishes overall physical pain

• the act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response, reducing the amount of medication some folks need

Mental Health:

• lifts spirits and lessens depression

• decreases feelings of isolation and alienation

• encourages communcation

• provides comfort

• increases socialization

• reduces boredom

• lowers anxiety

• helps children overcome speech and emotional disorders

• creates motivation for the client to recover faster

• reduces loneliness

Reading: (PAWS for Reading)

• helps children focus better

• improves literacy skills

• provides non-stressful, non-judgmental environment

• increases self-confidence, reduces self-consciousness

In Physical Therapy

• increases joint movement and improves recovery time

• maintains or increases motor skills

• provides motivation to move more, stretch farther, exercise longer